Oops! We goofed, apology to Harrison Kalua, Coffee Association of Malawi chairperson
Nyasa Times briefly carried a story on Monday March 18, 2013 titled ‘Malawi coffee boss Harrison Kalua arrested for defilement.’ The article was swiftly taken off-line after it was discovered the reporter got the whole story wrong.
Nyasa Times contacted Mr Harrison Kalua who disputed the accounts in the story.
Investigations are underway on the reporter and disciplinary measures are going to be taken.
Nyasa Times has offered an “unreserved apology” to Mr Kalua for the damage the story caused.
Mr Kalua commended Nyasa Times for swiftly withdrawing the article after he had complained.
He pointed out that the story is “false, untrue, damaging and uncalled for,” adding “One wonders what inspired the reporter and Nyasa Times to publish a story without verification.”
“As a man of high reputation in Malawi and in the international scene, founded on Christian values, I have never, cannot and will not engage myself in such devilish acts,” said Kalua.
“I am 56 years old married to Rose Chimwemwe Kalua. We have four girls and two boys. The last born is 18 years doing his economics degree. Four are graduates with one still doing her nursing and midwifery degree. My wife does not have another daughter with some one else to be called step daughter.
“We are aware that Nyasa Times has a reporter in Mzuzu who is hired by individuals that target to character assassinate some prominent figures. May I advise Nyasa Times to take note of this development as this is likely to bring confusion in our society,” said Kalua in a statement.
Nyasa Times private investigator is probing the matter.
Mzuzu Police spokesman Maurice Chapola told Nyasa Times that the story was not true at all.
Nyasa Times commitment to our readers and our pride in accurate journalism remains undiminished.
However, we publicly and unreservedly apologise to Mr Harrison Kalua, his wife Rose, all his six children, his family at large, his church, his company and all organisations he serves.. What happened should not have happened. It was and remains unacceptable.
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